The United States
fears Iran's growing military power because it is now able to compete
with Israel and the West, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in
comments carried by an Egyptian newspaper on Monday.

Responding to a toughening
stance from the United States and Israel against Tehran, Ahmadinejad
accused Washington of inventing conspiracies to discredit Iranand sowing discord with its near neighbor Saudi Arabia.

"Yes,
we have military capabilities that are different from any other country
in the region," Egyptian daily al-Akhbar cited Ahmadinejad as saying.
"Iran is increasing in capability and advancement and therefore we are
able to compete with Israel and the West and especially the United
States."

"The U.S. fears Iran's capability," he told the paper. "Iran will not permit (anyone from making) a move against it."